Muhlenberg Township, PENNSYLVANIA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Township authority covers permit and zoning administration within Muhlenberg Township.

Department

Engineering, Codes & Zoning

Address

Muhlenberg Township, 210 George Street, Reading, PA 19605

Phone

(610) 929-4727

Email

info@muhlenbergtwp.com

Website

https://www.muhlenbergtwp.com/143/Apply-For

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Start from the township Forms, Applications & Other Documents page and choose the correct zoning, building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, occupancy, or business-related form.
2. Complete the applicable permit application and any related trade permit forms.
3. Attach required plans and supporting documents. The township posts separate commercial plan submission guidelines and quick guides for decks, sheds, pools, and fences.
4. Submit the application package to the township for review by Engineering, Codes & Zoning.
5. After review and fee payment, permit is issued. Occupancy permits are handled separately where required.
6. Schedule inspections using the township's Online Inspection Scheduling link or by contacting the township.

Source: Engineering, Codes & Zoning

General Requirements

Township publishes separate zoning, building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, occupancy, demolition, curb/sidewalk, and sign permits. New construction, additions, alterations, repairs, trade work, occupancy, and many accessory structures are covered by posted fee schedules and forms.

Required Documents

• Permit form by scope
• Plan sets
• Trade-specific forms
• Commercial plan submission package where applicable
• Contractor registration information
• Occupancy or zoning materials required for the specific project

Permit validity

Residential building permits expire after 1 year; one 6-month extension is listed in the fee schedule. Other permit terms vary by permit type.

Building code

Pennsylvania UCC

Contractor requirements

Township posts a Trade License Application and links applicants to Pennsylvania Attorney General contractor registration.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50

Plan check fee

Residential new $150 each unit; residential addition $125; residential accessory structure $75; nonresidential plan review $150 per hour invoiced by township.

Permit fee formula

Mixed. Residential new construction is $0.50 per square foot; residential repairs and alterations are flat-plus-valuation; nonresidential new construction is square-foot based in 1,000-square-foot increments; commercial alterations are flat-plus-valuation; trade permits are flat fees or fee-plus-percentage-of-contract-cost.

Reinspection fee

Electrical additional inspections $150 residential and $175 commercial per site visit; plumbing inspections beyond 2 are $75 each.

Payment note

Some occupancy and nonresidential review fees are invoiced by the township and must be paid before issuance.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Engineering, Codes & Zoning to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Online Inspection Scheduling (online)
• (610) 929-4727 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Project-specific under UCC and trade permit requirements. The public fee schedule confirms separate rough, final, and additional inspection charges for electrical work.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Pennsylvania UCC
• Verify contractor license: PA Attorney General Contractor Registration
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• 2025 Fee Schedule
• License lookup guide: Pennsylvania Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Pennsylvania Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Pennsylvania hub: Pennsylvania Contractor License & Permit Hub

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